With their team in Regina playing the first of two preseason games yesterday, several thousand B.C. Lions faithful got a sneak peak at Empire Fields and their seats for the upcoming football season.

“I’m really impressed,” said Stu McBride, who was among those decked out in orange and black.

“It’s a good size. I’m closer to the field and considering how quickly they put it up, I’m impressed with the job they did.”

The temporary stadium at Empire Fields at the PNE in East Vancouver will be the home of the Lions and the MLS Whitecaps while a new roof is installed on B.C. Place.

Rex Bohachewski, a season ticket holder for the past 18 years, said he’d never been to an outdoor game before and was looking forward to it.

The open house featured Felions, face-painting and even autograph sessions with veteran players like Geroy Simon and Paris Jackson. Veteran defensive lineman Brent Johnson was among those getting a first look at the field.

“It’s going to be nice to have a stadium with some intimacy to it, you can interact a bit more with the fans,” said Johnson.